Weight Distribution and Transmission Cooler for a 2008 Toyota Sequoia SR5Towing a Cougar Xlite 31sqb

Question:

Hi, I have a 2008 Toyota Sequoia Plat ed. 4x4. I am looking at purchasing a 2012 Cougar Xlite 31sqb TT. Do you think the trailer is too large for the TV? If not, what WD\Sway control do you suggest? Its for myself, wife, dog and 2 boys ages 6 and 8.

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

First, you will need to consult the vehicle owners manual to find the towing capacity of your 2008 Toyota Sequoia. If the vehicle already has a trailer hitch, you will also need to look on the hitch for the towing capacity. Whichever is lower, the hitch or the vehicle, is the rating you need to go by.

If you need a trailer hitch, use # 13442. It has a capacity of 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight if you use it with a weight distribution system and 1,000 pounds tongue weight if used with weight distribution (6000/600 if no weight distribution system.) The gross weight of the 2012 Cougar Xlite 31sqb when fully loaded is 9,000 pounds. Tongue weight is typically between 10 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight but you will be limited to that 1,000 pounds.

You also have to add in the weight of anything being carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the tongue weight. Given that you will be carrying 4 people and a dog, it is possible that you may exceed the carrying capacity of the vehicle, also located in the owners manual. You are definitely close to the line of the maximum of what the hitch and probably the vehicle can handle.

A weight distribution system rated for 600 to 1200 pounds would work, like # RP66084. This system comes with a shank and dual-cam sway control so you will just need to add a ball using # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

If you plan to tow often or will be towing long distances near the maximum of what the vehicle can handle, I do recommend adding a supplemental transmission cooler like # D13503 to extend the life of the transmission. I have included some links on transmission coolers and weight distribution and hitch instructions for you.

A trailer this size probably also has electric brakes. To get them to work, you would need an electric brake controller. If the vehicle came with a factory 7-Way, you would just need the brake controller, # 90885, and a wiring harness, # 3040-P. If it did not come with a trailer connector, you would need to first install a 4-Way (obtainable from a dealership) and then install our # ETBC7. I have included some links on brake controller installations for you as well.